Computer crimes in Thailand - the case of Phuketwan.com

PHUKET: Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian of the news website Phuketwan.com have been tireless in their investigations of the treatment of Rohingya migrants, who -- it is well documented -- escape violence and hardship in Burma only to end up in virtual prison camps at the mercy of human traffickers in Southern Thailand. In a strange twist of fate, tomorrow (April 17), the Phuketwan reporting duo might end up as prisoners themselves.

Alan & Chutima speaking at a local seminar, Phuket Town.

On the eve of Phuketwan’s court date in Phuket Town, where they’re set to defend themselves against criminal defamation and Computer Crimes charges, there’s been a flurry of news and commentary from around the world. If convicted, Alan and Chutima face jail time of up to 7 years and a fine of 100,000 baht (about $3,300 US).

Chutima "Oi" taking/making calls over lunch.

The charges stem from a paragraph taken from a Reuters investigation into Thai officials' involvement in the Rohingya smuggling trade that Phuketwan published in an article in July 2013. The story was one of several Reuters stories highlighting the plight of the Rohingya in Burma and Thailand.

Busy reporter, but Alan always finds time for a Singha.

By chance, earlier this week Reuters editors and reporters were popping celebratory Champagne following the announcement that these very same reports had earned the news agency a Pulitzer Prize. But so far Reuters has remained silent on the case of Phuketwan v the Navy.

Here's a rundown of the reactions and reports:

AAPAustralian journalist Alan Morrison faces Thai jail time [and his Thai colleague Chutima, let’s not forget!]
“This is a little bit about Thai Navy payback where Phuketwan has been a thorn in the side of the Navy for many years in the handling of the Rohingya and the Navy is determined to put them through the wringer,” [Human Rights Watch deputy Asia Director Phil] Robertson told AAP.

Voice of AmericaThailand Charges Journalists for Human Trafficking Report
"I have no doubt about it. I am sure the manner in which [Chutima] has helped open up the Rohingya story to the international organizations is one of the reasons for this prosecution. She has been the person who has, I guess, singularly opened up the Rohingya story to international media attention," [Morison] said.

Asian Correspondent – Bangkok PunditPulitzer Prize, Reuters, Rohingya, The Navy, and Phuketwan
“It is somewhat curious that the Navy didn’t sue Reuters, but then again it makes perfect sense. Reuters are a big organization with lots of resources; Phuketwan aren’t. Pick on the small guy and make an example of them for others.”

Reporters Without BordersCall for withdrawal of charges against Phuketwan journalists
“Taking Phuketwan’s journalists to court is absurd,” said Benjamin Ismaïl, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Asia-Pacific desk. “If the navy want to dispute the Reuters special report, which has just won a Pulitzer Prize, it can publicly give its version of events and demand the right of reply.”

Melbourne Press Club – Lindsay MurdochPulitzer Prize leaves Thai navy high and dry
“Phuket’s public prosecutor Wiwat Kijjaruk told reporters last week there was enough evidence to proceed ‘even though the two said they just republished an article from Reuters…they should have checked the facts before doing so.’ … The case raises the issue of legal protection for subscribers of the Reuters service for Thai stories.”

Democratic Voice of Burma‘Boatpeople’ story lands Reuters a Pulitzer as local reporters face jail
“The comparison couldn’t be more stark,” said Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia Division, “on one side of the world, Reuters journalists win media’s top prize for revealing abuses against Rohingya boatpeople while in Thailand, the Thai Navy files serious criminal charges against a small website for simply re-printing the story.”

The Age - Fairfax MediaAustralian faces jail for coverage of same story that won Reuters a Pulitzer prize
“No action has been taken against Reuters, one of the world’s largest news agencies, over the story that was published in July last year. The London-based company has declined to comment on the case against Mr Morison and Ms Chutima, who say they are prepared to go to jail to defend media freedom in Thailand, where defamation laws are being increasingly used to silence criticism.”